New 80,000 MT TRQ for Argentina lean beef trimmings in 2026, split into four quarterly tranches under specified Chapter 2 HTSUS numbers.

CBP has issued Quota Bulletin 26-223 establishing administration details for an additional 2026 tariff-rate quota (TRQ) for lean beef trimmings from Argentina. This is in addition to the aggregate quantity already provided in Additional U.S. Note (AUSN) 3(a) to Chapter 2 of the HTSUS. Under AUSN 3(b) and U.S. note 7 to the relevant subchapter, an extra 80,000 metric tons of Argentina lean beef trimmings may be entered between 12:01 am February 13, 2026 and December 31, 2026.

The affected products are beef as provided for in HTSUS Chapter 2, specifically under statistical reporting numbers 0201.30.5091, 0202.30.5097, 0202.30.5091 and 0202.30.5097, sourced from Argentina. While the bulletin does not restate the specific in-quota and over-quota duty rates, brokers must recognize that entries within the TRQ benefit from lower in-quota rates, while entries outside or after exhaustion of the quota will be subject to higher over-quota rates. Correct quota claim and timing therefore directly affect duty calculation on import entries.

The additional 80,000 MT is divided into four quarterly tranches of 20,000,000 kg each. Each tranche is a distinct quota period, administered on a first-come, first-served basis, and the quantity per tranche may not exceed 20,000,000 kg. The tranche periods are: Tranche 1 from February 13, 2026 to March 31, 2026; Tranche 2 from April 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026; Tranche 3 from July 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026; and Tranche 4 from October 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026.

For Tranche 1, all entries submitted after 12:01 am local port time and prior to 8:30 am Eastern Time on February 13, 2026 will receive an entry time of 8:30 am ET for quota qualification. If, at 8:30 am ET, the total quantity requested for any HTSUS group exceeds the tranche limit, CBP will prorate all accepted entries. Brokers should therefore plan filing strategies for opening day, ensure accurate quantity declarations, and be prepared for potential proration.

Compliance teams and customs brokers should: (1) confirm that Argentina beef imports under the listed HTSUS numbers are properly flagged for the 2026 Argentina beef TRQ; (2) configure internal systems to track usage by tranche and to distinguish in-quota from over-quota entries for duty calculation; (3) monitor CBP quota status reports to know when each tranche is nearing or has reached its limit; and (4) advise importers that once a tranche is filled, subsequent entries will be assessed at over-quota duty rates. For detailed conditions or any special documentation, consult Quota Bulletin 26-223 and the Presidential Proclamation "Ensuring Affordable Beef for the American Consumer." Questions can be directed to CBP’s Headquarters Quota and Agriculture Branch at HQQUOTA@cbp.dhs.gov.